As part of a major charity fundraising drive workers, suppliers and friends of Woodie’s have secured the rights from David Bowie’s estate to record and release one of the singer’s most iconic tracks, ‘Heroes’.
A one hundred strong Woodie’s choir led by MayKay (Fight like Apes) have recorded the track which will go on release Friday 21st July (via band camp at woodiesheroes.bandcamp.com and on sale instore in Woodie’s).

And the fundraising just doesn’t stop there! For the next month these unsung heroes will continue to raise much needed funds for four major children’s charities for Ireland’s most vulnerable children, through a massive array of activities in and out of their work place which includes the workers donating an hour of their pay to the charities and a country wide cycle.

This is the third year that Woodie’s have embarked on a major campaign to fundraise for their Children’s Charity Campaign “Woodie’s Heroes” throughout their network of 35 stores nationwide. They have set themselves a target to raise €190,000 for four of Ireland’s largest children’s charities; Make A Wish, ACT for Meningitis, Temple Street and Jack & Jill Foundation.

“We are once again delighted to be part of the Woodie’s Heroes initiative, raising almost half a million euro in the past two years, which is a testament to the employees and customers of Woodie’s, it wouldn’t be possible without them. It is a true privilege to be involved in raising much needed funds for the four very deserving charities.” Woodie’s CEO Declan Ronayne.

Each of the four charity partners have chosen their own heroes to represent the campaign. Seven year old Nicola is living with a brain tumour, she had a magical experience meeting her favourite Disney princesses in Disneyland and created special memories for her whole family thanks to the great work of Make A Wish.

Jacob is four years old and is a regular patient in Temple Street’s Metabolic Unit, having been diagnosed with Phenylketonuria (a rare genetic disorder present from birth). The body is unable to break down an amino acid called Phenylalanine which then builds up in the blood and in the brain, with the help of the Metabolic team in Temple Street Jacob has to follow a protein restricted diet for life. Funds raised by the Woodie’s Heroes campaign helps young patients like Jacob with world-class medical facilities and equipment they deserve through the Temple Street Foundation.

Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation helps children like wheelchair bound Éabha, by providing a nurse to provide the specialised care she needs. Every €16 raised provides 1 hour of home nursing care, time to allow for families to do normal day to day tasks. Children in every community across Ireland are benefiting from their local Woodie’s stores contribution.
Eleven year old Alanna survived meningitis at 9 months old. This affected her coordination, muscle tone, emotional and social development.

ACT for Meningitis have provided Alanna with a series of therapeutic workshops and family support days, whilst also raising life-saving awareness of the disease.

With the help of Woodie’s you can bring strength and joy to children with life threatening illness, ensure patients receive the world-class medical care they need, help provide respite to families of sick children and rebuild the lives of children affected by meningitis in Ireland. Woodie’s ‘Heroes’ is available on band camp at woodiesheroes.bandcamp.com and instore on CD in Woodie’s stores nationwide 31st July.